Snippets of Montgomery School History (1959-1964)
from the clippings saved by the late Elsie Johnson.
Colored News
Lexington Progress
No Date, Probably Early October 1959
Services for Pfc. Louis C. Halton were Thursday at Montgomery High School with Rev. D. B. Simmons officiating. Burial was in Lexington Cemetery with Pafford Funeral Home in charge.
Pfc. Halton died Saturday at Washington Hospital after an illness of several months. He was 25. He was in the Army. [His tombstone lists his death on September 26, 1959]
He was a member of the Key's Chapel M.E. Church. He leaves his mother, Mrs. Mary Halton; four brothers, Joseph Halton, Richard Halton, Thomas Halton, all of Lexington and AA-2C Herron Halton of Detroit; four sisters, Miss Lonnie Mae Halton of Memphis, Mrs. Edna Facen of Detroit, Miss Ruby Sue Halton of Nashville and Bettie Halton of Lexington and his grandmother, Mrs. Eliza Halton.
Colored News
Lexington Progress
November 28, 1958
The Montgomery Tigers opened the basketball season Friday night by walloping Selmer. Girls score 18-17, boys score 30-27. Coaches Beasley and Pearson are looking forward to a successful season.
Colored News
Lexington Progress
No date but probably November 1959
Teachers attending the meeting of the WETC at Lane College in Jackson Friday were Mr. and Mrs. A. L. Robinson, Mr. and Mrs. S. W. Beasley, Mr. and Mrs. J. H. Pearson, Mr. and Mrs. James William, Mrs. Eula Mae Kennedy, Mrs. Mary J. Wadley, Mrs. Nettie Mae White, Mrs. Willie B. Hillyard, Mrs. Virginia Douglas, Mrs. Belinda Watkins, Mrs. Laveria W. Flowers, Miss Helen McCullough, George Beal and Odell Parker. Dr. Stephens Wright, president of Fisk University, Nashville, an eloquent speaker, gave a wonderful address during the evening meeting.
American Education Week was observed at Montgomery School. A. very unique program was taped and broadcast over station WDXL. Mrs. Ollie S. Pearson, director of the music, Mrs. Ruth William and Mrs. Juanette Beasley, directress of program.
Colored News
Lexington Progress
No date but probably November 1959
The Montgomery School float and band look great in the parade Friday night. Thanks to parents, teachers, band instructor and everyone who made it possible for a job well done.
Colored News
Lexington Progress
Date Unknown, Late February 1960
Mrs. Irene Veal was the lucky winner of the $30 trade ticket given by the Men of Good Will Club on Monday night at Montgomery
Colored News
Lexington Progress
April 14, 1960
A large crowd was present at Montgomery School Tuesday night for the parent program, with the community choir doing some wonderful singing under the direction of Mrs. Ollie S. Pearson and gave a very timely and unique address.
The principal and faculty entertained the parents with a delicious plate supper in the school cafeteria. A wonderful time was reported.
Teachers attending the TEC meeting at Nashville last Friday were Mr. and Mrs. A. L. Robinson, Mr. and Mrs. S. W. Beasley, Mr. and Mrs. J. H. Pearson, Mr. and Mrs. James Williams, Mrs. Willie B. Hillyard, Mrs. Virginia Douglass, Mrs. Mary J. Wadley, Mrs. Eula Mae Kennedy, Mrs. Augusta Hardy, Mrs. Bellina Watkins, Mrs. Lavenia Flowers, Miss Hlen McCullough, and George T. Beal.
Colored News
Lexington Progress
Handwritten Date 1960, Probably Late May
The commencement exercise at Montgomery School began Monday night with the senior class giving a wonderful program, J. H. Pearson, advisor. On Wednesday night the elementary concert was presented by the primary grades. A wonderful time was reported.
A large crowd was present Friday night for the graduation exercise, Vidella Williams was the salutatorian and Betty Halton was the valedictorian. S. W. Beasley did a fine job in presenting the speaker, J. L. Seets, principal, Webb. Public School, McKenzie, who delivered a timely and forcible address, using for his subject "Idea, Aspiration and Ideas." The music rendered by the chorus under the direction of Mrs. Ollie S. Pearson was wonderful.
Congratulations! Betty Hal-ton the daughter of Mrs. Mary Halton on your fine achievement in receiving the scholarship award to study at A. and I. State University, Nashville for one year.
Celevonia Easley was accidentally struck in the forehead from a bat by Charlie Massey while playing ball at Montgomery School Friday. He was rushed to a Memphis Hospital. His condition is satisfactory and he returned home Sunday. We wish for him a speedy recovery.
Colored News
Lexington Progress
Date Unknown, Probably May/June 1960
Mrs. Allie Kizer of Champaign is here because of the injury of her son, Celevonia Easley who is well on the road to recovery.
Colored News
Lexington Progress
August 25, 1960
The Montgomery Tigers opened the football season Thursday night with the powerful Booneville team and lost by a score of 22-0.
Colored News
Lexington Progress
September 1, 1960
A large crowd attended the community musical program at Montgomery School Sunday evening. Choirs during the singing were St. Paul, Pilgrim Rest and Pleasant Hill Baptist Choirs, Lewis Chapel and Key's Chapel Methodist Choirs, Montgomery Chorus and Montgomery Boy's Chorus.
Willie H. Lee, a former student at Montgomery, a science teacher at Lewisburg High School was guest speaker and gave a very inspiring and challenging address. A wonderful time was reported.
Colored News
Lexington Progress
Exact Date Unknown, October 1960
Teachers attending the in-service meeting at Decaturville during the week were Mr. and Mrs. J. H. Parson. Mr. and Mrs. James Williams, Mr. and Mrs. A. L. Robinson, Mr. and Mrs. Joseph King, Mrs. Mary J. Wadley, Mrs. Nettie Mae White, Mrs. Virginia Douglas, Mrs. Eula Mae Kennedy, Mrs. Laveria W. Flowers, Mrs. Willie B. Hillyard, Mrs. Bellina Watkins, Helen McCullough, Odell Parker and George T. Beal.
Colored News
Lexington Progress
October 20, 1960
The Montgomery School Band gave a great performance Saturday at the centennial in Henderson Saturday.
They climaxed the occasion by marching around court square after returning home.
Colored News
Lexington Progress
November 3, 1960
The Montgomery Etts sponsored a musical program at the St. Paul Baptist Church Sunday night and gave a wonderful performance under the directions of Mrs. Ollie S. Pearson.
Colored News
Lexington Progress
November 17, 1960
Teachers attending the WETC meeting at Lane College, Jackson Friday were Mr. and Mrs. J. H. Pearson, Mr. and Mrs. James Williams, Mr. and Mrs. A. L. Robinson, Mr. and Mrs. Joseph King, Mrs. Eula Mae Kennedy, Mrs. Virginia Douglas, Mrs. Mary J. Wadley, Mrs. Nettie Mae White, Mrs. Willie B. Hillyard, Mrs. Laveria W. Flowers, Mrs. Bellina Watkins, Miss Grace Mitchell, Miss Helen McCullough, George T. Beal and Odell Parker.
Colored News
Lexington Progress
February 23, 1961
The Men of Good Will Club gave away $30 certificate trade in groceries from Camp's Super Market daring the basketball game at Montgomery School gymnasium Friday night.
Mrs. Mary Halton winner of the first prize of $20. in groceries and Clyde Young, winner of the second prize $10, in groceries. Mrs. Halton and Mr. Young express their thanks and appreciation to the club.
Negro History Week was observed at Montgomery High School Friday with a very timely and wonderful program by the students.
Several schools were represented in the NFA meeting Saturday at Montgomery High School.
The following students of Montgomery won recognition were: first place in the tool contest, George Campbell, third place in the log cutting contest, Grapple Lee Donnell and fourth place in the quartet singing, Benny Jean Cathey, James Earl Kizer, Arthur Williams and James Hines
News of the Colored
Lexington Progress
November 23, 1961
The annual women's day was held at the Pleasant Hill Church Sunday at 3. The guest speaker was Mrs. Bellina Watkins, the home economics teacher at Montgomery. She delivered a very inspiring address on "Women as a influencer down through the years." The choir from New Hope Baptist Church of Jackson sang some wonderful selections. A wonderful time was reported.
News of the Colored
Lexington Progress
December 14, 1961
The Christmas program will be held at Montgomery High School, Dec. 21. Mrs. Ollie Lue Pearson has charge of the program. A very fine program has been planned, so please come and bring your presents and enjoy yourself, and see your children participating in the program.
Colored News
Lexington Progress
December 28, 1961
The Montgomery team played Savannah on Friday night and won. Congratulations boys and girls. Keep on winning.
Montgomery team played Humboldt on Dec. 20. The girls won and the boys lost. On Jan. 5 they will play Decaturville. Come out and cheer our teams on to victory.
The annual Christmas program was held at Montgomery High School Dec. 21. A wonderful program was given under the direction of Mrs. Ollie L Pearson. A large crowd attended.
News of the Colored
Lexington Progress
Date Unknown, Probably January 4, 1962
The masons and eastern stars entertained their friends with a stew recently, at Montgomery High School. A wonderful time was enjoyed by all.
News of the Colored
Lexington Progress
January 11, 1962
The Montgomery Basketball team played Decaturville Friday night losing. Montgomery will play East High Jan. 17. A former teacher of Montgomery High is the principal, S. W. Beasley. Come out end cheer our boys and girls on to victory.
Services for Jim Kizer, a highly respected citizen of Henderson County were Tuesday afternoon at the Pilgrim Rest Baptist Church with the Rev. J W. Smith officiating. Ford Funeral Home in charge. He was a very active member of Pilgrim Rest Baptist Church, a deacon, member of the choir and a great Sunday School worker. He was willing and ready at all times to do for his church and also other churches.
He was a Mason and a member of the Good Will Club. For a number of years he served as custodian of Montgomery High School and served well. He will be sadly missed by the faculty and students of Montgomery High.
He leaves a wife, Mrs. Ruth Kizer; one sister, Mrs, Ollie B. Taylor; one brother, Will Kizer of Lexington, and a host of other relatives and friends.
News of the Colored
Lexington Progress
January 25, 1962
Region IV inservice professional teachers meeting was held at Montgomery High School Friday with principal, A. L. Robinson as director. The general theme "Existing Needs in Region IV". Subject for discussion "There is a need for helping students improve study habits, skills and attitudes." There were three groups, grades 1-6, 7-12 and a parent group. All of the discussions were interesting and was enjoyed by all present. The consultants were Jack Mays, supervisor, University of Tenn. Martin, Dr. N. A. Crippins, A & I State University, Mrs. Winnie Range, supervisor, Hardin Co., Miss Kathleen Wright, supervisor of McNairy Co., Mrs. Eva Derryberry, supervisor of Henderson Co. and Dr. O. W. Grump of A & I State University. The Montgomery Chorus, under the direction of Mrs. Ollie Lue Pearson, rendered some very beautiful numbers. The superintendent's panel was held in the afternoon with Ashley Adams moderator. Others on the panel were Supt. J. S. Hurst, McNairy County, Mr. Truman of Hardin County, representing the Supt., H. F. Snodgrass, Mrs. Ray Bloodworth of Decatur County representing supt. Hearington. Those on the panel made wonderful contributions. Mrs. Bellina Watkins, the home economics teacher, spared no pains in preparing a very delicious dinner. It was enjoyed by all. I wish to congratulate principal, A. L. Robinson and the committee for planning such a wonderful program for the in-service meeting.
News of the Colored
Lexington Progress
February 1, 1962
The Montgomery teams played Merry high Wednesday night and both teams lost. Montgomery boys played a good game but lost fighting hard.
News of the Colored
Lexington Progress
February 8, 1962
The Montgomery team played Paris team last Wednesday night in Paris. The girls won and the boys lost. On Friday night they played Selmer. The girls won 43-19. The boys lost 54-47.
News of the Colored
Lexington Progress
February 15, 1962
The Montgomery team played McKenzie team Friday night and lost both games.
The District IV tournament will be played at Montgomery High School Feb. 22, 23 and 24. Teams participating are Lexington, Decaturville, Selmer, Henderson and Savannah. All of these teams are very good. You will miss a treat if you fail to attend the tournament. Come out and enjoy the games and cheer Montgomery girls and boys on to victory.
The new homemakers enjoyed a district meeting at Douglass High in Memphis. Along with 1600 others. Lexington Chapel [Chapter] was featured on the program and received high praise. Rosetta Rockwood, a junior, delivered an inspiring talk on "The Duties of A Chapter Reporter." Mamie Mitchell, with the assistance of Ruthie Teague, the Hendrix twins and Ann Douglas, held the group spellbound with relaxers. Chaperons accompanying the girls were Mrs. B. H. Watkins, advisor to the chapter, Mrs. Lorene Harmon, chapter mother and Mary J. Wadley
News of the Colored
Lexington Progress
February 15, 1962
A large crowd attended the game last Tuesday night played between Montgomery and Clarksville. We lost but they played a very good game. During the half, the senior class gave away groceries. Doris Carver was the winner. The faculty wishes to thank everyone for their loyal support. We will be looking to see you at the tournament Feb. 22-24.
News of the Colored
Lexington Progress
March 18, 1962
The Montgomeryetts sang at the J. B. Baptist Church in Henderson last Sunday afternoon. This program was sponsored by Salters Chapel AME Church who is now worshipping there since the burning of their church. A wonderful time was enjoyed by all. Mrs. Ollie Lue Pearson, the director, and Mary J. Wadley accompanied them. The Rev. William Easley Jr. is assistant pastor of Salters Chapel.
A large crowd attended the district IV tournament which was held at Montgomery High School. In the girls' division, Decaturville was first, Selmer second and Montgomery third. All Star was Peggy McDonald, of Montgomery. In the boys' division, Henderson was first, Montgomery second and Decaturville third. All star, Robert Carver of Montgomery.
The Community Club met at Montgomery last Wednesday with Mrs. Bellina Watkins. Vivian Johnson is the president. The meeting nights are Wednesdays after the second and fourth Sundays. All ladies are welcome to this club. There are 12 members and we are looking to have many more to join. This club has planned a very interesting program. At the close of the meeting, hostess served sandwiches, drinks, ice cream and cake. A wonderful time was enjoyed by all.
News of the Colored
Lexington Progress
March 15, 1962
The Miss Bronze West Tennessee pageant, sponsored by the Jackson Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, was held at Merry High School in Jackson March 8. Participants were high school young ladies selected on the basis of talent, charm, personality and good moral character. Mamie L. Mitchell, a senior at Montgomery, sang very beautifully "Because." There were 29 talent competitors, Miss Bronze of West Tennessee was winner of a $300 scholarship to any college of her choice. This scholarship was won by a senior at Merry High. First runner up $100 scholarship given by WJAK, a Merry High senior. Second runner up $100 scholarship given by Atra Skin Tone was won by a senior at Stigall High School at Humboldt. Those from Lexington attending were Mrs. Eula Mae Kennedy and daughtcrs, Mrs. Golden Kizer, Mrs. Vassie Flakes, Mrs. Janice Beal, Addle M. Massey, Argentra Melton, Frances Ellis, Ora Lee Harmon, Bertha Mitchell, Marlyn Moffitt, Richard Ann Moffitt, Lena Flakes, Christine Johnson, Mrs. Ollie L. Pearson and Mary J. Wadley. A wonderful time was enjoyed by all.
The members of St. Paul Baptist Church choir will present Choir Day Sunday afternoon, March 18 at 3. The Montgomeryettes, local and out of town choirs will be present. We are inviting you to come and enjoy an evening of wonderful singing.
New homemakers who attended the state convention at Nashville were Rosetta Rockwood, Bettye Wess, Judith Johnson, Mamie Mitchell and advisor, Mrs. B. H. Watkins. It was most inspiring. The theme, "Youths' Challenge For International Understanding" was explored from every angle with NHAers taking complete charge of programs rendered.
News of the Colored
Lexington Progress
March 22, 1962
On Saturday, Feb. 24, the NHA group attended a meeting in Alamo. Tom Halton won third place in the quiz contest, Bobby Stanford second place in the talent contest, Montgomery won second place in the quartet singing. The boys participating were Tom Halton, Clevonya Easley, William Easley Jr. and Gerald Wayne Dixon. A wonderful time was reported. Odell Parker accompanied them.
News of the Colored
Lexington Progress
April 5, 1962
The Annual Parent night will be held at Montgomery High School April 11 at 7. All parents are invited. A wonderful program has been planned for your enjoyment. The faculty will be looking to see you on April 11.
A Montgomery High School student makes good. The Rev. Edward L. Brown of Jackson has been awarded a Protestant Fellowship from the Rockefellow Brothers Theological Fund. This fellowship was given as one of twenty-five granted to outstanding students in the United States and Canada. It is a one year fellowship which permits a student who is committed to the parish ministry and a vocational goal to study at the seminary of his choice. The announcement of the 1962-63 class of fellows was made by President Nathan M. Pusey of Harvard University, chairman of the fund granting the fellowships. Rev. Brown, a middler at the Interdenomination Theological Center, Atlanta, Ga. spent his early life in the Salem CME Church. He attended Montgomery High School where he received several honors. He is also a graduate of Lane College, Jackson, where he received awards for outstanding service in the field of religion, as the most valuable football player of the year and as the most valuable tenor soloist for the Lane College Choir. Rev. Brown has an outstanding record as a student pastor. While a student at Lane, he was successful in building a beautiful church in Boliver. He is presently serving as pastor of the St. Mary CME Church in Chattanooga.
News of the Colored
Lexington Progress
Date Unknown, Mid-April 1962
A large crowd attended Parent Night at Montgomery School last Wednesday night. Mrs. Cassie McCullough spoke in behalf of parents. The keynote speaker was Judge Clyde Reeves. The chorus, under the direction of Mrs. Ollie L. Pearson, sang wonderful songs. At the close of the program, a delicious plate was served.
Montgomery High School's commencement calendar:
Wed., April 25, Intermediate Grades, "Wildcat Willie Gets Brain Fever."
Fri., April 27, 8:00, High School Play, "Have A Heart"
Fri., April 27, After Play, NHA Mother-Daughter Tea
Thurs., May 3 7:45, Junior-Senior Prom, "Block-Busters"
Sun., May 6, 3:00, Baccalaureate Sermon, Dr. William J. Simmons, Dean of Men, Tenn. State University, Nashville, Tenn.
Wed., May 9, 7:45, Elementary Night, "Under The Moon-bow."
Fri., May 11, 8:00, Commencement, Dr. Joseph A. Payne Jr., Dean of Student, Tenn. State University, Nashville, Tenn.
Admission to plays will be 15 & 25c.
News of the Colored
Lexington Progress
May 10, 1962
Dr. William James Simmons, Dean of Men, Tennessee A & I State University in Nashville will deliver the baccalaureate sermon at Montgomery High School Sunday, May 6 at 3 p.m.
Dr. Joseph A. Payne Jr., Dean of Students, Tennessee A & I will deliver the commencement address on Friday night, May 11 at 8.
The Missionary Society of St. Paul sponsored a rally Sunday at 11:30. The Montgomeryettes sang some wonderful songs.
The fifth and sixth grades of Montgomery School presented a one act play on April 25 entitled "Wild Cat Willie Gets Brain Fever." The seventh and eighth grades presented a one act play "Grandma Fixes Things." Sponsors were Mrs. Ruth Williams, Miss. Nettie M. White, Mrs. Ollie Pearson and Mrs. Eula Mae Kennedy.
Those from Montgomery Hi attending the track meet in Nashville on April 28 were Anthony Buck, Jerry Priddy and Ralph Smith. Anthony won third place in the shot put, with a put of 43 feet and 9 inches. Jerry and Ralph participated in the mile and 440 yard dash respectively with Jerry gaining fifth place. Only regional and runnerup could participate in the meet.
News of the Colored
Lexington Progress
May 24, 1962
The commencement at Montgomery High School closed Friday night, May 11 with Dr. Payne of Nashville delivering a very wonderful and timely address on "Excellence." There were twenty two graduates. Salutatorian was McArthur McGill, the son of Mrs. Maxine McGill. Barbara Ann Odle of Linden was valedictorian.
News of the Colored
Lexington Progress
May 31, 1962
Sgt. and Mrs. W. T. Hardy of Layton, Utah were in Lexington Wednesday visited friends. Mrs. Hardy is the former business teacher at Montgomery High School.
News of the Colored
Lexington Progress
August 30, 1962
On Thursday night at Lexington High School football stadium the Montgomery Tigers played their first game of the season against Bonneville, Miss. The strength and courage of the teams kept the game scoreless. Coaches, King and Beal are looking forward for a great season. We congratulate the Tigers. "Keep Fighting."
Colored
Lexington Progress
December 17, 1964
Montgomery Splits With Webb High
Montgomery girls won a squeaker from Webb High of McKenzie last week, 49-45, to gain a split with the Carroll County team. Montgomery boys bowed 67-28.
Delois McDonald sank 20 points for Montgomery. Shirley Priddy got 13, Nellie Carver 12 and Lula Pearson contributed 4.
Louis Arnold pushed in 15 for Montgomery boys. Holder for Webb was high with 19.
Montgomery played Friday night at Vincent High School in Henderson where the girls won 96-13. McDonald was high scorer with 35, Carver got 34, Priddy 19 and Pearson 8. The boys lost their game 69-54. Easley was high with 13 and Melton got 11 points.
Mongomery High School Basketball Schedule - 1964-65
|
December 23 |
East High |
HERE |
|
January 8 |
Savannah |
There |
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February 3 |
Henderson |
HERE |
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